A first-generation PNW student finished fifth in a global sales competition that included over 350 other students.  

The performance by Dupree Price, a senior studying Marketing and Sales, was the best result by a PNW student at the RNMKRS competition. 

Price competed in the Cold Calling competition. This year featured artificial intelligence to simulate genuine sales calls. The senior said the use of AI made things challenging. 

One of the hardest parts of the competition was dealing with rejection from the AI caller. Price said it would often hang up on him quickly and without much warning.  

“Rejection is one thing, but [the AI] was stricter in the way he hung up,” he said. “Some humans offer sympathy and are more polite when saying no.”  

Though the experience was challenging, Price said he was optimistic. Even so, he couldn’t believe it when he saw the scores placed him fifth overall.  

“I was startled,” said Price. “I’ve seen how close scores can be for competitions, so nothing is guaranteed unless it’s perfect. The first thing I did was text my coach about the placements.” 

Preparation played a large role in his success. Price said he practiced both in and outside of class and spent time working in the Sales Lab on the Hammond campus. The lab allowed him to practice in a space designed to simulate reality.  

“Having a space that provides real world environments makes conversation easier,” he said.  

He also met one on one with his coach and used feedback to improve his performance. 

Price believes his coursework and coaching helped him stand out from other competitors. 

 “Having learned the skills in a class setting and then having a chance to apply them was amazing,” he said.  

Price said the competition connected closely to what he is learning in his major.  

“As a marketing major with a minor in sales, this helped me gain real experience in what I will face day to day in my career,” he said. “In class, we learn technical skills, but the competition forced me to apply them.”